Notes:
Sorry for the wait on this one! I've been sick off and on for the last couple months and just couldn't concentrate enough to write anything and then I finally wrote nearly the entire chapter and my computer randomly shut off and I had to rewrite it all. And then I had to move short notice and forgot all about it for a few weeks. Anyway I hope you enjoy it and that it is worth the wait!
Chapter Text
~*(This chapter is dedicated to Macas64 who's comments helped me keep writing and finally finish this chapter despite major writer's block, technical difficulties, and sickness! Thank you so much for your encouragement! XD)*~
So maybe Alex was being a bit childish about Jack's disappearing act.
But he couldn't help himself! Ianto had been heartbroken when Jack disappeared and the others had been completely lost!
... And maybe Alex had felt a little betrayed when he realized Jack had left without a word willingly.
Alex stomped irritably up the stairs into the main room heading to the kitchen, making a short detour to press a friendly kiss to Tosh's cheek (it was adorable, no matter how many times he did it she always blushes), and of course when he got there it was to find Jack performing his daily dose of sexual harassment. Jack had Ianto pressed against the counter fingers twisted into Ianto's hair as he tried to shove his tongue down his throat.
"You know there are laws against this," Alex said crossing his arms over his chest while he leaned against the door frame while they got themselves together, Jack opened his mouth to make some no doubt witty come back but Alex lifted a hand to silence him, "Don't care just want coffee."
Jack looked put out but Alex ignored him in favor of watching Ianto make him an extra large coffee in the huge mug James and Sam had made for him, it was three times the size of a normal cup and it was royal blue with silver writing saying (fittingly) 'I need this much coffee to deal with your bullshit today'. Alex accepted his coffee when it was handed to him then eyed Ianto for a second making him squirm before nodding and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek and turning to leave.
"Hey don't I get a kiss?" Jack teased apparently having recovered from the shock.
Ianto winced recognizing it as the mistake it was, Alex turned slowly to fully face Jack, who now looked uncertain again obviously having seen Ianto's reaction.
"I don't know Jack have you done anything in particular to endear yourself to me recently," Alex asked narrowing his eyes, Jack opened his mouth then closed it again with a snap apparently coming up empty, "Didn't think so."
He turned and left the room before Jack could ruin his day any further.
He headed back towards Tosh's desk passing Owen who looked ready to deliver his snarky comment of the day.
"Hey gear-head-" Owen started then caught sight of the mug in Alex's hand and quickly changed his mind about what he was going to say, "My breaks have been making a squealing sound do you think you could give it a look?" he asked almost politely.
Alex side-eyed him for a second making the other man shift on his feet, Owen had learned rather quickly in recent weeks that when Alex was drinking coffee out of the big cup it was best not to annoy him. Alex would grudgingly admit that he over reacted a few weeks ago when he was in a mood and Owen was being his usual self and he may or may not have threatened to yank the previously mentioned brakes out of said man's car if he didn't shut the hell up and stop annoying him, and when that failed to get the man to back off he may or may not have disconnected said brakes. But! He did leave the emergency brake! Owen didn't get hurt, there was no damage, and Alex fixed it as soon as Owen brought the car back.
But needless to say when Alex wasn't in the mood for Owen, Owen backed off as soon as he saw the mug. Alex considered just carrying the mug all the time but then he figured the effectiveness would wear off, not to mention Tosh had not been pleased with him after what he may or may not have done, it took him a week and giving Owen's car a tune up without complaint to get her to forgive him. Ianto on the other hand thought it was hilarious (after he explained it was possible to stop safely with the emergency brake), Jack tried to scold him through his own amusement and Gwen had a hissy fit but Alex completely ignored both of them in favor of trying to swindle his way back into Tosh's good graces.
"Ok, gimme your keys," Alex said blankly sticking out his palm, Owen quickly fumbled his keys out of his pocket and into Alex's hand before hurrying back to his desk.
Alex watched him go for a second before continuing to Tosh's desk where she was glaring disapprovingly at her screen.
"Oh don't pretend you don't love him being all Civil and compliant," Alex snorted sipping at his coffee.
Tosh huffed but didn't disagree.
"I'm having a bad day come with me to the bar tonight?" Alex pouted draping himself on Tosh's shoulders, careful not to spill his coffee.
Tosh sat stoically not answering for a moment until Alex started rubbing his cheek pleadingly against her own which made her giggle and give in, "Fine I'll come out with you tonight! Now stop distracting me!"
Alex grinned and nodded releasing her to wander back towards the garage. He caught sight of Jack watching him from the staircase leading to his office, he did not look happy Alex did not care so he gave Jack a chilly smile and trotted down the stairs to the garage. Alex didn't know what Jack's problem was but Jack wasn't Alex's problem.
Alex and Tosh were on their second round of drinks when Jack dragged the rest of the team into Sam's bar. Alex growled in frustration as he made a beeline for their table, Tosh looked up to see what the problem was and winced knowing that whatever good mood Alex managed to scavenge from his bad day was officially gone.
On the bright side none of the team looked like they really wanted to be there so it was likely that Owen and Gwen would wiggle their way out of staying long. To prove his assumption Gwen immediately started rambling about needing to get home soon because Rhys was expecting her for a late supper. Owen quickly caught up and gave his own excuse of catching up with an old hospital buddy across town in an hour so he could only stay for one drink.
Alex ordered them both a shot to show his gratitude for having some sense of self preservation and they showed their thanks by sucking them down and promptly leaving before Jack could protest.
"Guess it's just the four of us then," Jack grinned clueless, Tosh and Ianto winced in unison both knowing this would end badly without some Holy intervention.
This intervention came in the form of one James Thorenson swaggering his way into the bar like some old time pirate in ripped jeans and a white button up.
"Al!" James bellowed with a happy crooked smile as he made his way over to them.
"Jamie," Alex grinned back and pushed his chair back to greet him.
"Jamie? As in your brother James?" Tosh blurted as the older man scooped Alex into a bear hug before lifting him up and sitting down in Alex's vacated seat so the blonde was curled up like a little kid on his lap.
"I thought he was your uncle," Ianto said confused.
"Uncle! Sorry I meant uncle," Tosh said hurriedly, blushing profusely at her slip up.
Alex and James didn't seem to even notice as Alex snuggled up to James; chest and James gestured to Sam for a drink.
"You don't look related," Jack glowered as Alex rapped his arms around James' neck and the brunette returned the hug with an arm around his waist as he accepted his drink from Sam who said a quick hello, gave Alex a peck (which never failed to make him smile no matter his mood), and hurried back to the bar.
"I'm adopted," Alex explained vaguely, not bothering to look at Jack as he did so.
"So this must be Tosh," James said before Jack could reply, he smiled across the table to Tosh who smiled shyly back, "Alex has told me a lot about you. Tells me you're his favorite camping partner." he gives a wink at that making Tosh blush and Alex roll his eyes.
"Um, yes we go camping together sometimes," Tosh replied flustered and trying to cover it with a sip of her drink. Jack looked stormy in his seat now alternating his glare between the three of them.
"And I'm assuming the lad in the suit is Ianto?" James asked looking to Ianto who has been sitting quietly for a while, "You used to come into the shop fairly often before you decided to steal our Al here away."
"Yes it's good to see you again Mr. Thorenson," Ianto said politely.
"Ah call me James, only Ethan is old enough to be getting any of that 'Mr. Thorensen' nonsense," James grinned making Alex snicker on his lap.
Alex pulled out his cellphone and started typing out a text.
"Who are you messaging?" Tosh asked curiously.
"Marry," Alex answered smirking happily, "Asking her if she's aware she's married to old man according to James."
After a moment he got a reply.
"She wants to know what that makes her."
"The hot young lass that stepped down from the heavens to rain mercy on a wrinkly old grey man undeserving of her eternal devotion," James answered without missing a beat.
Alex typed as James spoke and sent the message off.
It took longer for a reply and Alex was beginning to pout at his screen when it finally came through and he collapsed into laughter.
"She said Ethan nearly had to give her the Heimlich she laughed so hard and Ethan is not pleased with your attempt to kill his wife or being labeled 'a wrinkly old grey man'" Alex chuckled.
James laughed loud and long making Tosh giggle at his obnoxiousness even Sam over behind the bar snorted at the older man's antics.
They continued to joke and talk like this for hours until Alex had a nice buzz going and James was completely smashed and half draped over the bar trying to convince Sam to bring out the good stuff. Alex glanced at his watch and found it was just barely midnight but he was ready to head home, Ianto and Jack had been suspiciously quiet and broody all night and it was beginning to get on his nerves.
"Well I'm heading home," he announced as he got to his feet and offered Tosh his arm, "You staying with me tonight?"
Tosh took his arm, face flushed with her own healthy buzz, "Sure. Goodnight everyone."
"Sam you have James duty tonight make sure he doesn't get arrested for disturbing the peace!" Alex called over to the amused bartender.
Sam shot him a thumbs up and shoved James gracelessly off of his bar. Alex laughed and sent James an air kiss when the man yelled for him to come and convince 'the rude overgrown lad' to give him more beer.
"Bye guys see you tomorrow," Alex called over his shoulder to the two men still at their table.
Alex and Tosh strolled lazily down the street towards Alex's flat for a few minutes before Alex broke the silence.
"What the bloody hell is Jack's problem?!" he huffed, "He was a buzz kill the entire night!"
Tosh was startled by the outburst but conceded, "He was a bit gloomy tonight."
"I swear if it weren't for that ass I wouldn't see what Ianto sees in him," Alex sighed loftily.
Tosh nodded mindlessly before what he actually said hit her, "Wait, you think Jack is attractive?"
"Course I do, he's gorgeous! Would so want a go at him if I didn't know him," Alex said tugging Tosh into turning down a side street.
"You want to have sex with Jack?!" Tosh squeaked blushing at how loud it came out.
Alex rolled his eyes, "If he weren't an asshole sure."
There was a muffled grunt behind them like someone losing there balance. Tosh stiffened but Alex gently squeezed her arm reassuringly and shot her a mischievous grin.
"But he is an asshole so I wouldn't touch that. I do not find it appealing to sleep with someone who I know is probably thinking about how great it must be for me to be in bed with them. Arrogance is not attractive."
There was another choked off sound from behind them and Tosh couldn't help the giggle that escaped her.
"Yeah it would be rather depressing to sleep with someone when all they're probably thinking is how lucky I am to be with them," Tosh said, mind flashing to Owen as she said it.
Alex winced and Tosh flushed guiltily when there was a choked of pained noise behind them followed by the sound of hurried foot steps heading away from them. Alex swallowed and gently pulled Tosh through a fence and into his backyard.
"We might have let that get a bit to far," Alex murmured opening the back door to let them in then closing it behind them.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that," Tosh said biting her lip sadly.
"No I'm the one who shouldn't have started it. I should have just called them out on their stalking instead of being mean," Alex reassured her while helping her out of her jacket and putting both of theirs on the coat rack, "Well there's nothing we can do about it now, let's just go to bed and we'll deal with the fallout tomorrow."
Tosh nodded uncertainly and moved towards her room, "Good night."
"Sweet dreams," Alex smiled softly and headed up the stairs to his own room.
He stripped down for bed and lay there.
He shifted uncomfortably for a while before finally huffing exasperated and moved back down stairs to quietly straighten the house room by room. It was a few hours before he was finally exhausted enough to pass out on the couch to get a couple hours of restless sleep.
Despite his lack of sleep Alex found himself awake just as the sun barely touched the horizon. He dragged himself up and into the shower, once he was dried and dressed he went to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee and wandered about plucking at and moving things until the bakery down the street opened. He headed out for the bakery, it was owned by a lovely elderly couple and run by their twenty year old grand daughter, Lauren has a little crush on him so when he came in for two dozen pastries he came out with three.
He was just coming through the door with his bounty when Tosh shuffled out of her room, he smiled at her and wiggled the boxes, "I got breakfast!"
Tosh smiled and followed him into the kitchen, he quickly hands her a blueberry and a strawberry danish and poured her a cup of coffee.
"I'm gonna head in early and get started on maintenance, I've been putting it off for a week," Alex said fishing out a croissant.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Tosh offered sipping at her coffee.
"No, you stay and enjoy your breakfast,";he replied with a smile, "I'll see you later."
Tosh wave goodbye and Alex started his short walk to work halfheartedly nibbling at his breakfast.
The Hub was, as expected, empty when Alex got there so he headed straight for the kitchen to drop off his goodies. Alex was nervous as he entered and found found Ianto already there and making coffee, he still felt really guilty for what Ianto had overheard and approached him tentatively and offered him the boxes.
Ianto looked surprised for a moment then confused as he watched Alex's odd behavior but accepted the box with a smile and offered him a cup of coffee.
Alex grinned and took the cup and fished two pastries out of the box before surprising them both by pressing a kiss to Ianto's cheek and hurrying out of the room. Alex sipped at his coffee thoughtfully as he headed for Jack's office, it wasn't unusual for Alex to give Ianto a kiss on the cheek but it seemed somehow different this time. He made it to the top of the stairs without coming up with an answer so he shrugged it off and decided to leave it for now.
Jack was sitting at his desk reading a file but quickly looked up and closed the file when Alex walked in (secretive bastard).
Alex strolled casually to the desk and perched on the edge of it, dropping the pastries in front of Jack before speaking, "So I've come to the realization that I've been being a bit of a prat lately," Jack snorted but Alex ignored him and continued, "There's no point in me holding a grudge that I can't have any fun with so I've decided the past is the past and I need to forgive it. So," he turned to face Jack with a determined stare, "I forgive you for being a complete ass and running off then pretending nothing happened when you came back."
Alex sipped at his coffee watching Jack's expression do back flips through the emotional scale before settling on amused acceptance (with just a flicker of gratitude).
"Thanks for your forgiveness, your generosity is overwhelming," Jack said leaning back in his chair.
"You're welcome, just don't do it again," with that Alex hopped off the desk and twisted to give Jack a benevolent kiss to the forehead before leaving the office with a bounce in his step.
Alex smiled to Ianto as he passed the kitchen again, snatching a cinnamon bun along the way, and skipped down the stairs to get started on his work.
~*To Be Continued*~